When a member of Iglesia Dios Con Nosotros, a church located at the corner of Mud Lake Road and Highway 60, drove past the building early Sunday morning on his way to work, he was surprised by what he saw.
Damian Rios, a 25-year-old Mulberry man, attempted to elude a Florida Highway Patrol trooper by leading him on a high-speed car chase, at times at speeds upwards of 100 mph. His frantic flight ended when Rios crashed his vehicle into the entrance to the church.
The man contacted Pastor Maria Vargas and told her there was a car sticking out of their building, which they’ve rented for almost five years. She and her daughter Johanna Zambrano arrived on the scene, unsure if they’d be able to hold their planned service, which included a message by a visiting pastor, in the building.
Her prayers were answered though, because by 11 a.m., the vehicle was towed away, an inspector had examined the building and deemed it safe to enter and hold services there and a fireman had climbed into a front window to unlock the back door (that doesn’t open from the outside) so its approximately 40 parishioners could assemble and commune together and listen to the visiting pastor’s message.
“His message was fitting because it was about God having everything under control,” said Zambrano.
If only Rios was in control of his vehicle that evening.
Yellow caution tape now surrounds the damaged entry foyer, which was where they stored their multimedia equipment, a small refrigerator and other items. They held a short prayer service at the church on Tuesday but won’t be able to return until repairs are completed.
Zambrano said the property owner was also on-site after the accident occurred and has been working with the insurance company but doesn’t know when the building will be ready for Vargas and her flock to return. In the meantime, they are looking for another building where they can hold their Tuesday night and Sunday morning services.
Vargas remains optimistic. “I’m concerned but God has everything under control,” she said. “Right now we’re asking God to give us or provide us with a building while the construction is happening.”
Her message to Rio, who she’s not angry at, is one of forgiveness. “We don’t have anything against him, we believe in love and forgiveness,” she said. “We believe God has a purpose for everything and hope he can get to know God and the love He has for him.”
For more information about Iglesia Dios Con Nosotros call 347-605-8084.